The search for that something different begins and ends at Great Lakes Boutique this holiday season
By Patricia Nugent
"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” —Coco Chanel
At Great Lakes Boutique in Mentor, staying ahead of trends and constantly evolving to offer “that something different” happens every day.
“I’m constantly researching trends in jewelry, beads, charms and handbags to bring in the latest lines for our customers,” says Angel Mastandrea. “Over the years, we’ve earned a reputation for bringing in unique and leading-edge lines that people won’t find in other stores, things that have a story behind them.”
Meet LOLA
“Ladies are absolutely obsessed with our new line called LOLA,” says Angel. “It stands for ‘Love One, Love All,’ and comes out of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. These colorful handcrafted pendants, bracelets and rings celebrate special moments in people’s lives. They bring back the lost art of enameling over sterling silver.”
The pendants feature insignias on one side, and inspirational sayings on the flip side. You’ll find everything from bumble bees (flip side, “anything is possible”) and anchors (“don’t give up the ship”) to dragonflies (“with brave wings she flies”) and a lion’s head (“fortune favors the brave”). Plus, there are many holiday-themed pendants such as leaping reindeer.
“Since layering necklaces is a big trend right now, we enjoy helping ladies put together a few interesting pendants,” she says.
Party-Perfect Little Handbags
Looking for the ideal bag for holiday parties? Check out LA Chic. “These have become a local favorite,” she says. “They check all the right boxes. They’re cross-body, the perfect slim size to fit your phone and wallet and are stitched on one side only so they won’t snag your clothes. The patterns are gorgeous.”
Priced at $30 and $48, these confectionary bags make delightful and thoughtful gifts.
Why Craftsmanship Matters
“It seems like our customers are favoring old world craftsmanship and don’t mind paying for it,” she says. Hence, the new line of natural leather handbags called Bed Stu. Made in Los Angeles, women have come to appreciate the authentic care that goes into each slouchy-shaped bag.
“They only get better and more beautiful with time,” says Angel. “Who doesn’t love that?”
Another fun new line she just brought in is The Darling Effect.
“These adorable specialty products are so gift-worthy, offering everything from wristlets and keychains to skinny can coolers, wine tumblers and dainty drinkware,” she says.
Stunning Estate Jewelry Department
“Our estate jewelry has always been a big draw,” she says. “We sell a lot of bridal pieces, as well as yellow and white gold rings, diamond necklaces and bracelets. There are always interesting pieces here, such as vintage pins and brooches from the 1930s and 1940s that make a statement.”
The department is always changing over, and many of their customers shop there several times a month.
Where Customers are Like Family
Angel and her staff know practically everyone who walks through the door by name.
“We treat people like family,” she says. “Laughter is part of our shopping experience. We want people to come in and stay awhile.”
Great Lakes Boutique just might be the best tonic to an otherwise stressful holiday shopping season.
“We understand how crazy things are this time of year with the supply chain backing up orders and stores with empty shelves,” says Angel. “No worries about that here. I bought ahead to make sure our display cases would be jam-packed this month.”
Great Lakes Boutique is located within Mentor Corners Plaza, at 8920 Mentor Avenue, in Mentor. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 440-266-8900 or visit GreatLakesBoutique.net for more information.